Atkinson Aces Opening Day at Speedway 660

(Geary, NB – May 19th, 2019) – Richard Atkinson (Geary, NB) sent a strong statement to the rest of his competition at the Riverview Ford Lincoln Season Opener at Speedway 660. After five years, Atkinson drove his No. 40 Model Town Apartments/Roof Doctor Chevrolet back to victory lane during the first Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman feature of the season.

Atkinson, one of the seasoned veterans in the Sportsman field and dubbed “The Old Musket” by his peers, raced to the 40-lap feature win over Curtis Collins (Barnesville, NB) and Clark Moore (Saint John, NB), who moved past Courtney O’Blenis (Boundary Creek, NB) late in the feature for the podium spot. The race ran with only one caution and took just over 13 minutes to complete. Atkinson will also go down as the first Late Model competitor in Atlantic Canada to win with the new Five Star Race Car Bodies “Generation Two” body on his racecar. Matt Maillet (Burton, NB) and Courtney O’Blenis took home qualifying heat wins in the 11-car field.

“The Camry Kid” Brent Roy (Hanwell, NB) led a podium filled with previous champions in the RE/MAX East Coast Elite Realty Pro Stock division feature. Roy crossed the line ahead of reigning track champion Dave O’Blenis (Boundary Creek, NB) and Greg Fahey (St. Stephen, NB). The 50-lap feature was a fast paced affair and was run in just under 18 minutes. Roy and Fahey took home heat race wins.

Roger Slocum (Chipman, NB) returned to Riverview Ford Lincoln Victory Lane during the season opening DMR Auto Street Stock feature. Courtney Barton (Minto, NB) scored a career best second place finish in Sunday’s 30-lap feature with a returning Ryan Richard (Saint John, NB) coming home third in the eight car field. Slocum completed a clean sweep of the day by also taking the heat race victory.

With a freshly built race car, BJ Gillespie took home his first Fredericton Gun Shop Sharp Shooters division feature win of the year. Gillespie raced to the win over Brody Levesque (Fredericton, NB) and reigning track champion Bryan Suttie (Keswick, NB). Rookie Tristan Harris and a returning Matt Martin completed the top five in the 15-car field. The Grey Owl, Malcolm Suley and Gillespie won heat races in the division.

Racing action continues at Speedway 660 next Sunday afternoon for a full card of weekly racing including all four house divisions. The Atlantic Modified Tour will make their first of two stops on the season in the Geary woods as well. Racing on Sunday, May 26th begins at 2pm.

For more information about the Riverview Ford Lincoln Season Opener or any event at Speedway 660, visit Speedway660.com, like @Speedway660 on Facebook or call the Speedway 660 Raceline at (506) 454-7223.

About Riverview Ford Lincoln:
Riverview Ford Lincoln Sales is the number one choice for all things Ford in Fredericton, NB and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re in the market for a new or quality pre-owned vehicle, servicing, parts or accessories, you’ll find everything you need along with the warmest of welcomes here at Riverview Ford Lincoln. Your complete satisfaction is our absolute priority, and that philosophy permeates through every aspect of our operation. Ford has what must be the most impressive lineup of new vehicles in its history available right now, and you’ll find them all here at Riverview Ford Lincoln. Visit them at 970 Hanwell Road, online at RiverviewFord.ca or call them at (506) 453-0400.

About Speedway 660:
Speedway 660 is one of Canada’s premier stock car racing facilities. Located in New Brunswick’s Fredericton region, it attracts race teams and fans from the Maritimes, New England and Quebec. The Speedway 660 racing season runs from mid May until Labour Day Weekend. SpeedWeekend, one of the most prestigious short track events in eastern North America, wraps up Speedway 660’s racing season.